best retro fridge

the_reductionist

I'd be interested in opinions on retro free-standing larder fridges. I've ruled out Smeg as an expensive disaster area to avoid (the overwhelming opinion seems to be a load of rubbish in an expensive overcoat) but would be interested in any information regarding Lec, Baumatic, Gorenje and any others.Your thoughts greatly appreciated.

whitegoods_engineer

Thats a bit like asking whether you should buy Ford, Vauxhall, Nissan or Peugeot! Within each manufacturer's ranges there are budget, midrange and upmarket versions of appliances.

You have to ask yourself what lifespan you expect as well as functionality, design, style etc etc.

To just say Smeg is rubbish and some other brand is good is simplistic.

Smeg do some very nice equipment and can hardly be called a rubbish brand!

the_reductionist

Sorry don't get your point - I'm specifically looking for a retro design - larder and free-standing. These tend to be the upmarket range and I'm interested in any of the manufacturers' versions. Try searching and you will see that this is a very limited range and most manufacturers don't do one - as far as I know just the ones I've mentioned so hardly the shot in the dark you suggest.As to Smeg, I've conducted a lot of research (and bearing in mind we are all dependent on word of mouth and, hopefully, objective reviews on various websites) I've found that their fridges are universally slammed as unreliable and poorly made - the design looks great but covers up a load of problems. You say they make some very nice stuff - your opinion and equally simplistic.This is disappointing as it was a fridge I had set my heart on. I wouldn't go near one now.

munkypuzzel

Hi, I know this probably wont help much, but.... I have a Smeg FAB32 fridge/larder retro in cream. I have had it 5 years without a problem and think it is great.

As for internal quality, its no different to any other fridge as far as I am concerned.. white plastic, chrome racks, an egg rack and a light. The freezer part is similar but much colder............

Yep, expensive, but not sold in the high volumes that the 'standard' looking ones are so thats the way it goes.

CKdesigner

whitegoods_engineer wrote: »

Smeg do some very nice equipment and can hardly be called a rubbish brand!

Hi, Sorry, what do Smeg do that is any good?

If their was an industry award for 'promise the most and deliver the least' Smeg would win it hands down every year!

Meepster

I used to work for an independent kitchen showroom, we used to use all the major appliance manufacturers (but were a Neff Master Partner). If someone requested Smeg appliances I would always respond with "don't bother, they are cheap and poorly made APART from the retro fridges" These are well built and a lot of attention has been paid to the externals of it. The internals, as munkypuzzel has said above, are just bog standard, but that's all they need to be, to be functional.

Smeg have built their whole brand around these retro fridge freezers and are certainly the only Smeg appliances I would recommend...

the_reductionist

All of these would beg to differ:

http://www.unbeatable.co.uk/r/b/smeg.html

CKdesigner

the_reductionist wrote: »

All of these would beg to differ:

http://www.unbeatable.co.uk/r/b/smeg.html

OMG - Pretty conclusive!

tessie_bear

hi....iv had a retro smeg freezer for 12 years in silver and it good...very stylish and going strong...however if u have ruled that brand iv found bosch to be a reliable brand and miele...hope u find something nice

the_reductionist

Thanks Tessie for the info - haven't come across a Miele or Bosch retro fridge but I will investigate.

CKdesigner

Hi, I believe Bosch used to make a retro fridge but no longer do.

Miele definately don't and wouldn't. Miele innovate not copy!

Anyway, good luck with your search.